Introduction

In the past few years, we have seen the motherboard competition heat up. Asus, Gigabyte and ASRock are the leaders in marketshare but we have seen others step up their game lately, especially in their Z77 products. Names like MSI, Biostar and EliteGroup are also highly recognized names in the industry. Recently we have heard rumors that Asus may purchase ASRock, thus improving their marketshare through acquisition. Of course, the other industry leaders aren’t going to just let Asus take all the pie. Today we get to take a look at the MSI Z77 MPower, and determine just how much more competitive they have become to reduce the potential dominance of an Asus-ASRock team-up.

Last June, we reviewed MSI’s Z77-GD65 and Z77-GD55. Both motherboards shined in performance, overclocking and value, showing they can hang with the big boys. Both motherboards overclocked as well as, if not better, than any of the higher-end boards. If you think MSI is going to stay quiet about the potential industry shake up, think twice. With MSI’s progression, we can easily see them filling the number 3 spot provided the aqusition goes through. If if doesn’t, MSI is still on the rise giving the other big boys a run for their money.

Today, we have another MSI Z77 offering in the lab named the Z77 MPower. The MPower sports MSI’s Military Class components, so we ask, “Will the MSI Z77 Power live up to its Z77 cousin’s prowess”? There is only one way to find out. Let’s get the Z77 MPower on the test bench and see it in action.

Thank you for a great review. I purchased this motherboard and I am in the process of buying a cpu for my new system. Will the new Intel Haswell be compatible with the MSI Z77 MPOWER? This is my first new computer in about 10 years and I am looking forward to this new upgrade.

Doesn’t matter a hoot about offset settings.
Its not going to make anything last any longer
This is an excellent motherboard i own onn one.
Better that “asas”,
And I have used enough of their new style ’68, ’77 boards to judge
I’ve bought my last of theirs